Provisional Real Time Systems Engineer I (Provisional)

Summary

The Real Time Systems Engineer is responsible for critical real time plant computer control systems including SCADA, EMS, and Automation Systems. Responsibilities also extend to support systems such as archive and analysis systems, security access control and maintenance monitoring systems.

Works with other engineers, operating staff, and departments to determine system requirements, data relationships, algorithms and programs to design and engineer secure and compliant solutions to collect/present data and to monitor and control electrical and machine elements of the electric grid systems to most efficiently support operation of the NYPA Power System to meet its short and long-term strategic goals. May also work with and supervise contractors hired to perform major system projects related to plant modernization and enhancements.

The Real Time Systems Engineer is accountable to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for the successful execution of his/her responsibilities in furtherance of NYPA’s North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards Compliance program as set forth in Corporate Policies CP 10-4 and CP 2-9. 

The duration of a provisional position is not to exceed three years but is subject to change based on performance and business needs. Provisional employees are eligible for:

• a range of benefits customized to your individual and family needs such as medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts
• a retirement plan
• 401(k)plan
• employee assistance program
• vacation, sick time, holidays, medical and parental leave

Responsibilities

System / SCADA / Controls Engineer

• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting,   implement,  and analyze real-time applications (SCADA/EMS/ACS) such as hardware, software, networks, control system algorithms and communication subsystems (Front-end processors, ICCP, RTUs, PLCs) and associated interface equipment used to control and monitor the plant and switchyard facilities, and components of the security access control and monitoring system.  This will include response, off hours or 24x7 on-call as needed, to emergencies regarding facility real-time computing systems.
• Periodically collect and maintain data and reports as required by policy and regulatory requirements for compliance auditors, including but not limited to NERC CIP compliance.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of site-based procedures for effective real-time system and security access control and monitoring systems, operation, integrity, availability, utilization, data backup, and disaster recovery.
• Execution of, and development of written cyber security policies and procedures for system administration, change control, and generation of compliance documentation, including managing firewalls, network, and system configurations; support testing of software security updates, such as patches and anti-virus; maintain backup and recovery systems and data; system account management and security audit log review, monitoring, and analysis.
• Assist with the engineering, design, development, implementation, maintenance, and expansion of NYPA-wide and site-based strategic short term and long term plans for real-time systems, security access control and monitoring system, and associated interface equipment and hardware, software, and networks for all of the facility's computing systems, including the plant real-time systems, security access control and monitoring systems, and business Local Area Network (LAN). Test that systems meet regulatory compliance requirements with NERC CIP.
• Assist with drafting of engineering specifications, review bid documents, and evaluate bids for award to meet the short and long-term plans and projects to meet NYPA and facility objectives for control and monitoring systems and facility modernization.  Ensure that system specifications address regulatory compliance requirements with NERC CIP.
• Support the development, engineering design, and implementation of, and recommend software, hardware, network, and cyber security solutions and/or enhancements to real-time systems such as control and communications applications or subsystems as required.
• Assist with identification of items for operating and capital budgets, assist with technical evaluation, and develop specifications for systems, including hardware, software, networks and cyber security solutions.
• Assist with development and/or maintenance of database(s) of system and software applications and configuration and change management for security monitoring and compliance auditing and develop and generate reports to periodically report on compliance requirements such as, but not limited to NERC CIP.
• Participate in factory and site acceptance testing of real-time contro